Last year I was overjoyed to win the Most Inspirational Blog Award at the Annual Bloggers Bash. I don’t think I stopped grinning for six months! The Bash returns this June, and I’ve already booked my train ticket. Spending the day with fellow bloggers is the highlight of my year.
The Bash has grown in popularity, and as such, it’s going to be bigger and better. For example, this year there’s a Blogger Bash Comp, where we can submit a blog post on the theme of Connections. Never one to pass up on competitions, challenges, and blogging, I’m delighted to share my entry.
‘Connections’ What does that mean to you?
What does the word connections mean to you? For me, it’s that spark of interest among like-minded people, the butterflies in your tummy when you’re with the one, and the warm and fuzzy feeling you get when your kids tell you they love you.
Meaningful connections also exist in the virtual world. I’ve been active on social media for many years, and so my online connections continue to grow. I love the spider web effect of linking up with an interesting character only to find they know your great aunt Maud, or went to University with your brother, or even live next door to your cat sitter! We are all linked in one way or another, and that’s a beautiful thing.
Social media gets a bad rap at times, but once you strip away the trolls, the nutters, and the emotional vampires, you’re left with a ton of special people who delight and enrich your day.
The blogging community is the perfect platform to connect with people from all areas of the globe, with a host of interests. I’ve ‘met’ food bloggers, lifestyle, health, and happiness bloggers. I interact on a daily basis with book bloggers, writers’ and artists. My connections include photographers, witches, painters, and chefs. Travel bloggers fill my head with exciting plans, fashion bloggers teach me to avoid double denim and opt for ugly pants (it’s a thing!).
I learn something new every single day thanks to these connections. I’ve laughed along with them, cried at times, and even offered my advice where needed, but what do I get in return? I get the collective support of connectedness.
No matter how your day or week plays out, there will always be someone on the other end of that invisible current who can boost your confidence, make your day, support your business, or offer a kind word. That’s what connections means to me – the beauty of being able to call on friends, new and old, who live inside my laptop. The voices of reason I hear late at night, and the cheerful chatter I enjoy early in the morning.
Connections can be made far and wide, online, or in person. Each one is special, unique, and appreciated. So, as I prepare to travel down to London and once again participate in the Blogger Bash, I know that my day will be spent in the company of people I love and respect. I’ll mingle with folk who will know what I’m talking about when I mention plugins and understand when I tell them about my failing eyesight due to excessive screen time.
If you do one thing today, make sure it involves connecting with someone. Spend some time chatting with a friend over a choccie mochaccino or message a fellow blogger through Twitter or Facebook. Send a note to someone on the other side of the world wishing them a good morning as you climb into your pyjamas or pop round to an elderly neighbour with a bunch of flowers.
Connections are what we make of them. Nourish the relationships that come into your life and share the love, laughter, and happiness. After all, none of us are getting out alive!
Images: Meeting SuzieSpeaks81, Kim Nash, Lucy Mitchel and Sacha Black, Carol Hedges, Rosie Amber’s Book Review Team, Book Connectors: Linda Hill, Mark West, and Elaina James. Terry Tyler, Mark Barry, Rosie Amber, Julia Proofreader, Georgia Rose, Cathy Ryan.
Grab your ticket for the Blogger Bash 2017 HERE.
Thanks for visiting my blog, I hope you enjoyed this post. Want more? Connect with me here: Twitter @ShelleyWilson72, Instagram or check out my Facebook pages http://www.facebook.com/FantasyAuthorSLWilson and http://www.facebook.com/MotivateMeBlog. You can also find me on Pinterest
Fab post Shelley 🙂
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Thanks, Georgia. I need to add the photo of us lot in Leicester but I couldn’t find it on my computer – think I might need to steal it off Lizzie’s page! 😉
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That was a good day 🙂 and you’re quite right in what you say about the connections on social media. I had no idea of the world on here when I was sat writing away on my lonesome but all my concerns about joining Twitter and FB were swept away by the warmth of the community online 🙂
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Great post, Shelley.
I’ve got my ticket for the Bash – better book my train now. See you in June.
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Yay! See you in June, Mary!
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Oh this is the cruellest time! I’ve forsworn reading any entries until the comp closes but they are so temptingg… grrr. Thank you for joining in, Shelley. Look forward to handing you another award in June…!
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Ha ha, I was a bit like that too! However, as I’ve just written a post about not comparing yourself to others over on my motivational blog I figured I should just get on with it! Looking forward to seeing you again soon 🙂
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It still amazes me, I had no idea when I started blogging but I’m really enjoying it all 😊
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I don’t think anyone can grasp just how wonderful a community it is! I’m glad I’m able to enjoy all the connections 😊
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Me too 🙂
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I think the world of blogging has been a real blessing in many lives and I’m delighted to have met you through it lovely Shelley x
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Aw, thank you so much, Linda, and right back at ya! Meeting the ‘blogging family’ in real life is so much fun x
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And there should be more of it!
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Yes, yes, and yes. Sigh. Cannot travel alone. I get lost.
Maybe next year.
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Ooh, you should hire a ‘plus one’ like in that film The Wedding Date! Of course, the beauty of social media, live streaming, and videos is that we can bring the event to you x
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Guess I should start swimming across the pond now if I want to make it there in time! 😉
Seriously, looks like a fabulous time! Hope this year is even better for you!
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I love the pics. I wish I could go!
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Great post Shelly. Looking forward to seeing you at the Bash!! Can’t wait. 😉
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Thanks, Marje! Getting excited 😊 looking forward to seeing you too x
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Already got my dress… jewellery… LOL!!!
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Wow, impressive! Better get shopping!! 😜
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Late to this party, Shelley (busy week), but a great post – bringing back all kinds of memories of last year’s Bash. And somehow, in the process, we never actually met up, so I’m glad to hear you’ll be back again and we can put that right. Look forward to seeing you there!
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Thanks, Graeme. It was only after the event I realised just how many people I didn’t get to meet at last year’s bash! Will rectify that this year. 😊
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I suspect it’ll be even harder to get around everyone this year, so I’m going to focus on the ones I missed last year, as well as catching up with those I’ve already met up with.
Because I was at the first Bash, and I was arriving in London early last year, I arranged a gathering of other early arrivers (is that a word) at a pub beforehand. Someone tagged it as the pre-Bash Bash. It seems to have been popular, so I’m going to do the same again this year – it might just add some extra time for meeting people. Keep an eye out for details nearer the time.
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Sounds like a great idea!
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I’ll keep you posted
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Love the ‘spider web effect’ with connections. That’s exactly how it feels! Happy Saturday Shelley 👍🏻
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Thanks, Lucy. It does feel like that doesn’t it 😊🕸 ha ha. Have a great weekend x
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